Category: Personal

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Personal Work

Why The Way You Dress Is Important at Work

What we wear to tell others who we are, and how we want to be perceived and treated. Our appearance has a huge role to play in the impressions we leave on people and the way we are perceived in life professionally and personally.

Regardless of what we think about dressing well, first impressions are everything, and we only get one chance to make a positive one. Generally, people form a negative impression about you when you do not pay attention to your appearance.

How long do you have to make a good impression? You just have a few seconds to make a good first impression based on non-verbal communication. Within a few seconds of meeting you, people will assume to know everything about you.  So, the things that help people make a good first impression are appearance, posture, and facial expression.

A nice suit with a nice hairstyle and clean shoes makes immediately people think “responsible, confident, the trusty’.  Dressing well is more than just nice clothes. How we dress has an effect on how we see ourselves. When you look confident and approachable, you become more confident and approachable.

What you wear will change the way other people see you. It will indicate if they listen or ignore you. Clothes, accessories, and footwear a person chooses to wear at work help to reinforce or diminish their qualities in the eyes of their employer, coworkers, and customers. When we look polished and professional, people are more likely to listen and trust us.

Remember, to make a good first impression it’s all about the image that you would like to create, which involves the way you dress, your body language, having good manners, and much more.

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Personal Work

Saying No at Work!

How can we say NO at work?  So when your boss or colleague asks for your help with a new project, or stay later to accomplish unrealistic deadline take your time and think of all the consequences.

Think about the stress that saying yes might cause you. Wouldn’t it be so much easier to just say no in the first place? People who always say yes are those that seek acceptance from others. When you say yes to something new, you’re not thinking about the consequences it will have on your existing work. You might sacrifice the quality of your work or overschedule yourself.

No one wants to be known as the person who always says no. But, if you say “yes” all the time: Your work starts to get over-committed. Even if you put in the extra hours, you’re not going to be doing your best work.

Saying no at work is a difficult thing to do, but it’s important to keep yourself healthy, happy, and productive. Saying “no” is a part of being professional. That doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. Saying no is vital to your success and the success of your organization.

Nobody needs an answer straight away. But, before saying no, ask a few questions. Could this wait? It is urgent? Also, think about what’s is your workload, do you have time? Are you the best person for the job? Can your priorities be changed, or whether a colleague could step in to help you. Don’t say no until you’re sure you need to.

There are several ways to say no positively;

  • Be firm and direct. For example: “Thanks for the opportunity but I’m afraid it’s not convenient right now” or “I’m sorry but I can’t help this weekend I have something plan.”
  • Stop justify yourself when you are saying no. Instead of doing that, make the reason for saying no. Think of the reasons that justify your action and speak them clearly. If you can, offer an alternative. Maybe some of your colleagues are free to help.
  • Talk about another commitment you made. For example: “I wish I could, but I’m already working on this project”.
  • Set boundaries and rules for yourself to avoid becoming overworked. For example: clearly say to your team that weekends you’re not available.

Don’t be afraid to say no.  The more you will exercise your right, the more comfortable it will feel. So, just say no.

Categories
Personal Work

Body Language is Important to Make a Positive Impact

We have only a few seconds to create a good first impression. Body language plays an important role to make a positive impact. It helps you assess the message you are sending to people.

Being more aware of how you come across using your gestures, voice, facial expressions, and eyes can help you in your social interactions and create a positive impression. Proper body language can help you develop positive relationships and increase your influence with others.

These tips can help you to adjust your body language so that you make a good impression.

  • Smile. Smiling is important when making connections with others. A fake smile can be detected easily so practice a natural smile.
  • Have a good posture. Sit or stand upright and place your hands by your sides. Hands placed on your hips can be a sign of aggressiveness. Crossed arms can indicate defense or closed-off.
  • Use a firm handshake. But don’t get carried away! You don’t want it to be to much pressure for the other person.
  • Maintain good eye contact. Use frequent but direct eye contact with the person to show that you’re engaged. Staring at the floor makes you appear insecure with a lack of confidence.
  • Lower you’re vocal. In the workplace, the quality of your voice can be a deciding factor in how you are perceived. People that speak loudly are judged to be less empathic, less powerful, and more nervous than speakers with lower voices.
  • Avoid nervous gestures. When we rub our hands together, touching our face, play with our jewelry, twirl our hair or fidget we can lose credibility.

Finally, make a good habit to adopt a strong body language and soon you will be doing naturally.

Categories
Family Personal

Every Mom Should Take a Momcation

Every mom should take a vacation by herself. Being a mom is hard. Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs you’ll ever have. While it is extremely rewarding, it can also be stressful, emotionally and physically.

Why do moms need to go on vacation alone?  As you know, taking a vacation with kids isn’t really a vacation. It feels like normal life but more stressful. Taking a momcation and only have yourself to care for is important. Incorporating relaxation in your life help you to stay happy and healthy.

Imagine no cooking, no laundry, no cleaning, or breaking up fights. Having to worry about anyone but yourself. A break from all mother duties!

Momcations don’t have to be extravagant. You can plan a short trip by yourself or a weekend with your friends. From hiking, skiing, shopping, wellness retreats, or weekends in a big city there’s a vacation for every mom.

Of course, experiencing mom guilt as a result of taking a vacation will be inevitable. But remember, kids, want and need their mother to be rested and happy. They can feel when you are stressed or overwhelmed. A short vacation will make you a better parent, in the short run and long run. Your happiness will make them feel emotionally secure and stable.

You’ll learn to appreciate what you have at home because you will be separated from it. You will found yourself being more patient, more loving, more focused on your family.

Every mom should take time for themselves to reconnect with you they are.